Visitors to the UK will soon need a €12 visa waiver. Here’s how to avoid ETA scams

The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has officially expanded to European travellers. Starting 2 April 2025, EU (except Irish nationals), EEA, and Swiss citizens will need ETA approval to enter the UK.

The system became mandatory for travellers from the US, Canada and Australia on 8 January 2025, following its rollout last November for nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

To obtain the visa waiver, which costs £10 (€12), travellers need to complete an online process. Unfortunately, there are already reports of scam websites offering to assist with paperwork. 

Here’s what to watch out for to avoid paying more than you need to. 

How to apply for the UK’s ETA visa waiver

The ETA replaces the single-use Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme, offering a lower cost option with multi-entry validity.

The UK government says its mobile app is the quickest and easiest way to apply for an ETA. You can download the ETA app from the UK government website.

If you cannot download the app, you can also apply online here.

To complete the application, make sure you have on hand the passport you’ll be travelling on, an email address and a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You will have to answer a set of suitability questions. You don’t need to enter your travel details.

The government advises applying at least three working days before your trip. 

You can delete the app when you’ve finished applying. Your ETA will be linked to your passport digitally, and you will not need to show anything else when you enter the UK.

Watch out for ETA visa waiver scam websites

The above methods are the only secure and legitimate ways to apply for the ETA. 

There are no external or third-party websites that are authorised by the UK government to process the visa waiver. 

These sites will simply complete the application for you via the official channels while charging you extra for their services. 

Be aware that some of these sites appear above the government website (www.gov.uk) on Google searches. 

It is the traveller’s individual responsibility to apply for the ETA before arriving in the UK so you will not receive reminders from the UK government. If you receive emails or text messages prompting you to apply, these will not be legitimate.